Is two-way SMS supported in Russia?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Russia.

What is the maximum SMS message length in Russia?

The maximum SMS message length is 160 characters before the message is split into concatenated segments.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Russia?

No, SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Russia. The API will return a 400 error, and the message will not be logged or charged.

What is the mobile country code for Russia?

The mobile country code for Russia is 250.

Is two-way SMS supported in Russia?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Russia.

What is the maximum length of an SMS message in Russia?

The maximum length of an SMS message in Russia is 160 characters.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Russia?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Russia. Attempting to do so will result in a 400 error code (21614).

Is number portability available in Russia?

Yes, number portability is available in Russia, allowing users to retain their phone numbers when changing carriers.

How is MMS content delivered in Russia?

In Russia, MMS content is delivered via SMS with an embedded URL for viewing the content online.

Are there penalties for non-compliance with SMS regulations in Russia?

Yes, non-compliance with SMS regulations in Russia can result in penalties up to 500,000 RUB.

What should I do to comply with do-not-call registries in Russia?

To comply with do-not-call registries, avoid messaging users on these lists and regularly update your contact lists.

Should SMS messages be sent during local daytime hours in Russia?

Yes, it is recommended to send SMS messages during local daytime hours to enhance user experience and minimize complaints.

What error code is returned if an SMS is sent to a landline in Russia?

A 400 error code (21614) is returned if an SMS is sent to a landline number in Russia.

Can SMS messages be concatenated in Russia?

Yes, SMS messages can be concatenated in Russia, but this may vary based on character encoding and sender ID types.

Are HELP and STOP messages supported in Russian SMS campaigns?

Yes, SMS campaigns in Russia should support keywords like HELP and STOP, and these messages should be in the recipient's local language.

What is the dialing code for Russia?

The dialing code for Russia is +7.

What region is Russia classified under for SMS communication?

Russia is classified under the Europe region for SMS communication.

What is the penalty for not securing opt-in consent for SMS in Russia?

The penalty for not securing opt-in consent for SMS in Russia can be up to 500,000 RUB.

Why is it important to respect local time zones when sending SMS in Russia?

Respecting local time zones when sending SMS in Russia enhances user experience and minimizes complaints.

Where can I find more detailed information on SMS regulations in Russia?

More detailed information on SMS regulations in Russia can be found on the official Russian telecommunications website.

What should businesses do if two-way SMS is not supported in Russia?

Businesses should explore alternative channels like web forms or email for collecting feedback or responses from users in Russia.

Complete SMS Guidelines for Russia

Q: Do I need opt-in consent to send SMS in Russia?

Yes, businesses must secure explicit opt-in consent from users before sending SMS messages in Russia.

Overview

Russia, identified by its ISO code RU and mobile country code 250, is a key market for SMS communication in Europe. Understanding the specific regulations and technical requirements is crucial for businesses aiming to effectively engage with Russian audiences. This guide provides essential insights into SMS messaging in Russia, focusing on compliance, message length, and technical constraints.

Key SMS Features in Russia

Feature	Details
Region	Europe
Dialing Code	+7
Two-way SMS Supported	No
Number Portability Available	Yes
Concatenated Message Support	Yes (Varies by character encoding and sender ID types)
Message Length	160 characters
MMS Support	Converted to SMS with embedded URL
SMS to Landline Numbers	Not supported. API returns a 400 error code (21614)

SMS Messaging Regulations

Two-Way SMS

Two-way SMS is not supported in Russia. Businesses should explore alternative channels, such as web forms or email, for collecting feedback or responses from users.

Number Portability

Russia allows for number portability, enabling users to retain their phone numbers when changing mobile carriers. This feature supports consistent communication, crucial for maintaining long-term customer relationships.

Message Length and Concatenation

The standard SMS message length is 160 characters. Messages exceeding this limit are split into segments and reassembled at the recipient's end. Note that concatenation may vary based on character encoding and sender ID types.

MMS Support

MMS is not fully supported in Russia. Instead, multimedia content is sent via SMS with an embedded URL, directing recipients to view the content online.

Sending SMS to Landlines

SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Russia. Attempting to do so results in a 400 error (code 21614). Ensure your contact list includes only mobile numbers to avoid this issue.

Compliance and Best Practices

Businesses must secure explicit opt-in consent from users before sending SMS, especially for marketing. Non-compliance can incur penalties up to 500,000 RUB.

Respect Local Time Zones

Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless urgent. This practice enhances user experience and minimizes complaints.

Support HELP/STOP Messages

Ensure your SMS campaigns support keywords like HELP and STOP, and that these messages are in the recipient's local language.

Do-Not-Call Registries

Avoid messaging users on do-not-call lists to prevent legal penalties. Regularly update your contact lists to comply with such regulations.

Conclusion

Effective SMS communication in Russia requires adherence to specific technical and legal standards. While two-way SMS is unavailable, businesses can still engage audiences by respecting message length limits, local time zones, and ensuring opt-in consent. Always consult legal experts to ensure compliance with Russian regulations.

For more detailed information on SMS regulations, visit the official Russian telecommunications website.